In a recent blog (Trip Around California Baseball Fields), I mentioned that I was in California last week for work (ABF Freight) and I had a few baseball fields in mind to visit. After a very successful trip to UC Irvine and Cicerone Field, I decided to head north to Fullerton, CA and the campus of California State University at Fullerton. I knew that Cal State Fullerton had a successful baseball program and tradition. What I didn’t’ expect was just how underwhelming that last statement was. Their program and baseball tradition isn’t just successful, it the stuff of Titans!

Huge statue of former Cal State Fullerton Head Coach Augie Garrido greets visitors to Goodwin Field, home of the Titans Baseball club. 931 wins, a nearly 80% winning percentage, 3 national championships, 15 conference titles were just some of the incredible stats Coach Garrido helped chalk up during his two stint tenure at Fullerton. What a greeting for baseball fans to see and learn about. What an impressive first impression for those in the dark about how good Cal State Fullerton baseball was and is. I was pleasantly optimistic that the field area might be open, and as I walked up the ramp to the field area, my optimism became reality.

How many star players can a baseball program claim to have? In Cal State Fullerton’s case, how high can you count? They have a tribute wall that showcases the playing numbers of former Titan players, players who went on to have successful professional MLB careers. It took me about 20 minutes to read all the names. Matt Chapman, Kurt Suzuki, Justin Turner, Mark Kotsay, Phil Neven – the names just went on and on. There were plaques and tributes all over the park and I stopped to read most of them as I took some photos of the field and playing area.

The baseball field was absolutely mint, with the beautiful Southern California backdrop of tall trees, sunny skies, and barely a cloud to speak of. I paused at various spots throughout the park to take photos of the field, only to be distracted by another tribute wall or plaque of commemorative hall of fame section. I spent a ton of time just reading and absorbing the positive energy of the field, as the weather was about as ideal as you can get for late December. When you lead a busy life, it is so nice to take 10 minutes or so and just be thankful of who you are, what you are, and why you are on this Earth.

One sign that really caught my eye was a banner embedded into the padding just to the right of dead center field. It read “The Saarloos Family says Good Luck Titans, only 1,544 miles to Omaha,” referring to the home of the College World Series Championship, Omaha Nebraska. Saarloos, Kirk Saarloos was an All-American at Cal State Fullerton in 2001 and went on to pitch for 3 teams over 8 seasons in the Big Leagues. He is now the Head Baseball Coach at TCU. Perhaps his Horned Frogs Baseball Team will meet up with his alumni Titans in Omaha in 2025?

It was just an incredible Cal State Fullerton Baseball experience on Sunday. I was so psyched the field was open so I could take my time walking around, reading the tributes, learning about the Titans program past and present, and just soaking in all that positive California energy. Goodwin Field was very impressive, the field look absolutely perfect for baseball. I bet it is loud and energetic and THE place to be on a baseball game day. Easily, one of the most impressive baseball facilities and programs I have ever laid eyes on in person. And just a spectacular day in Southern California for some memorable California University baseball experiences, one right after the other.